Potter's Electric News

N_T G ENCET HAVERFORDWEST VOLUNTEER CORPs.-This corps will be inspected on Monday, the 8th of December next, by Col. Roney, Inspector of Volunteers for South Wales. A MATCH between Gaylad and Freshwater, which won the Farmers' Stakes on Thursday afternoon, took place on Portfield on Friday morning. The former was ridden by the owner, Mr Russell, and the latter by Mr Nicholas, who so successfully steered her in the Farmer-' Stakes. The race was cleverly contested, and after a sharp struggle, Gaylad proved the winner by about a neck. LOCAL MARINE BOARD.—Mr Lewis J. Pugh, of Castle Square, in this town, passed a satisfactory examination before the Local Marine Board, at Liverpool, on Thursday, the 13th inst., and he has since received a certificate of competency as mate from the Board of Trade, which authorises him to act in that capacity on Foreign Service. Mr Pugh was a pupil of Mr W: P, Propert, of St. David's. PREVDERGAST CHURCH. —A sermon was preached on Sunday morning last, in this church, by the Rev. M. Williams, in behalf of the distressed operatives in Lan- cashire. The sum collected amounted to £4 Is. 4d. We cannot help remarking that, though the parishioners of Prendergast are on the whole very poor, yet they are always willing to assist and give their 'mite' to any good work. HAVERFORDWEST READING AND RECITING SOCIETY.— A public meeting of the above Society will be held at the Shire Hall on Friday next, the proceeds of which will he applied in aid of the Lancashire Distress Fund. Fhe Rev. James Thomas, M.A., will preside on the occasion. The members of the Society are deserving of great credit for the generosity: and we trust that the entertainment will uw et with a favourable reception from the public and result in the realisation of a goodly sum to be devoted to such a praiseworthy object. CWM AVON, GLAMORGANSHIRE.—PRESENTATION TO A POLICE OPFICER. M r James Cecil having most efficiently performed the duties of Police Sergeant at Cwm Avon during a period of six years, the inhabitants of that place and its vicinity to mark their approval of his conduct. have presented him with a testimonialjconsisting of a time piece, cruet stand, and a purse of money, and offered their congratulations to him on his appointment as Superintendent of Police at Haverfordwest. The address was signed by about 60 of the inhabitants and others. RLTTNT WEEK. —The attendance in town of the gentry of the County during the week was not numerous, although the attractions in the way of sport were much in advance of those that have characterised the Hunt Weeks of late years. The hounds met on Monday week at Coed- candlas, and we hear that the sport throughout the day was excellent; en Wednesday the meet was on the Race Course, whence they prcceeded to East Hook. At that place sly Reynard was aroused, and one of the b 'st runs of the season ensued. A ball was held at the Assembly Rooms on Wednesday evening, under the stewardship of J. H. Scourfield, Esq., M.P., and A. Saunders Davies, Esq. Amongst those who were present were the fol- lowing:—Mr and Mrs Scourfield and Miss Fownes; Mr and Mrs Massey; the Misses Massey and Mr Massey; Co!onel Peel and Mrs Peel of Denant Capt. Higgon, Mrs Colby; the Baron de Rutzen Frentz, Mr E. Da Rutzen; Capt. Steel, Mr James Evans, Mr Eaton Evans, Mr Powell, Mr 0. Smith, Mr and the Misses Prust, Mr and Mrs Griffiths of East Hook, Miss Powell, Mr and Mrs Powell of Maesgwyne, Mr & Miss Summers, Mrs W. Evans, Miss Evans, Miss Philipps of Cwmgwilli; Lady Catherine Allen, Mr and Mrs Davies of Tre warren, Mr and Mrs Peel, Miss Peel, and Mrs James of Stone- hall; Mr Wedgewcod, Mr and Miss Adams of Holyland, Mr Ryder, Mr Barbam, Major Northey, Mrs Northey, Miss Crymes, Miss Clement, Mr and Miss Owen, Mr Herbert Owen, Mr Hodsm, 85th regiment, Mr M. Campbell, Miss Sutdon, Mr Davies of Ridgeway, Mr Hensley, Mr Davies, of Clareston, Mr J. R. James, Mr Jones jjof Bolton Hill, Mr C. A. Harries, Mr Price of Csstlcpiggia, Mr Longcroft. At the ball held on Friday the attendance was also limited. In addition to those mentioned as being present on Wednesday, there were the following: -Miss Berrington, Miss Stokes, Captain Bailey, Mr and Mrs Foley, Mr James Summers. The next ball will take place on the 17th of December next, under the stewardship of E. T. Massey, Esq., and H. Adams, Esq., of Holyland. THE BOROUGH FREEMEN.—A meeting of the Freemen of the Borough was held at the Market Hall on Wed- nesday evening. Mr James Jacks, senior, was unani- mously called upon to preside. Mr D. Gibbon stated that the meeting had been convened for the purpose of transacting business of some importance to the Freemen, and affecting the interests of the entire body. The first matter which he wished to bring before them was the improper admission of two persons in the year 1856 on the roll of freemen, and it would be for the meeting to decide what means should he adopted to effect the erasure of their names. These persons had been refused payment of the proportion of the rents legally due to properly admitted freemen, and their claim to be admitted on the parliamentary register had been rejected on two separate occasions by different revising barristers, who held a prominent position at the bar,—on one occasion by IVlr Mills and on the other by Mr Giffard. Steps should immediately be taken to get the names of those persons erased from the roll, or he feared if they delayed but a little time, they would be too late, and he would urge his brother freemen to take instant action, and resist this invasion of their rights in the most energetic manner possible. In order to bring the question fairly before the meeting he would move 'That the Trustees be requested to take immediate legal proceedings to erase from the Freemen's Roll the names of William Lewis and George Davies, printers, who were impropely admitted on the said roll in the month of December, 1856.' Mr Thomas Carter seconded the resolution, and in doing so stated that be entirely concurred in the observations which had fallen fiom his friend, Mr Gibtion. The Chairman put. the resolution to the meeting, when it was carried with the greatest unanimity. Mr Gibbon again rose, and observed that the next matter to which he would invite the attention of the meeting was connected with the rents due to them from the Corporation in respect of the Race Course. T'aey were entitled to 13-1 iths of the profits accruing froth the letting of the area of the Race-Course, and they had not received any money for about 22 years. The Corporation had now about, £ 17 in hand, and there was X3 due to them from a person who had rented the Courfie, and he thought that the 1 rustees ought to make application to the Council for the proportion of the money they were entitled to under the award of Mr Wilson, the commissioner appointed under the Act ot Parliament. He would take the liberty to niovo I 1 hat the Trustees be requested to wait upon the Mayor and Town Council of this Borough respecting the proceeds of the rental of the Race Course at Portfield, a3 this meeting is fullj' con- vinced from the award of John Wilson, Esq, that 1;3-14:hs of the said area was allotted to the Freemen by the said ard, nrd I- 14th only to the Corporation.' The reso- l:.ti<m, on being seconded by Mr E. Carter, was pat to the meeting and carried unanimously. It was also fur- ther resolved that The Trustees be empowered to apply part of the funds in their hands to carry into effect the resolutions previously proposed, and that a copy of the said resolution be forwarded to Mr William Phillips, Clerk to the Trustees, to present the same to them.' A vote of thanks having been proposed to the Chairman, the meeting s.tparuto'i. ROOSE PETTY SESSIONS. These sessions were held at the Shire Hall on Satur- day before the Rev. Thomas Watts, J. D. Roberts, Esq., 0. E. Davies, Esq., S. Harford, Esq., and J. P. Jones, Esq. NON-PAYMENT OF SEAMAN'S WAGES. William Outhouse, master of the Seaman's Bride, then lying at Milford, was summoned by John Brown, a man of colour, cook and steward aboard that vessel, for non-payment of wages. Mr Parry appeared for the defendant. The complainant deposed that he agreed to go in the ship for a voyage from Demerara to Dundee, which was the port of discharge. He went on shore on Saturday evening with the permission of the captain, and was to return on Sunday morning. He stayed till Tuesday morning, when the Chief Officer told him that he was not to continue on board the ship. He afterwards met the captain on the beach, and asked him if he was to be permitted to go to his duties, when the captain said he was not to go on board the ship again. The reason why he did not go on board the ship when his leave expired was that he was a little baosy.' The captain deposed that he gave the defendant per- mission to go on shore, and also a sovereign which he asked for. He remained away beyond his time, and caused considerable inconvenience to the crew, as there was no one on board to cook their victuals. He met him on the beach, and asked him to return to hit duty, when he replied that if he (the captain) would give him half a crown he would go on board. On Tuesday night he refused to take him back, as he had engaged another man but as the man was unable to come, he offered to take the complainant back if a proper deduction were made in his wages for the time he bad absented him- self. At the suggestion of the Bench, the parties agreed to arrange matters. The complainant consented to return to the ship, and the captain promised to overlook what had passed. John Thomas, a seaman, also summoned the same defendant on a similar charge. The complainant deposed that he had suffered from I fever, and also a scarcity of provisions during the voyage, and he was unable to proeeed in the ship. The captain came into the forecastle when he was ill in bed, and told him to go on shore, as he did not want any sick men on board his ship. The captain said that he had never required the com- plainant to W( rk when he was ill. He had requested him to go on shore to seek medical aid, and if he was well when the ship was ready to siil, he should want him to continue the v,)yage. He considered the com- plainant was quite able now to go in the ship. The complainant said he would not return t) the ship, as he was really too ill to do so. He was one day well, and another day unable to move from pain in his limbs. The Bench directed that the complainant should be examined by a medical man, and if he was pronounced able to proceed in the ship, he should do so, or forfeit his wages; if on the other hand the medical man was of opinion that he was not fit for the voyage, he was to be discharged the ship, and receive the wages that were due to him. NON-PAYMENT OF TLATES. Mr William Tollett, of Hakin, was summoned by the Milford Improvement Commissioners for non-payment of rates, amounting to X7 12s. The defendant pleaded that he was exempt from payment, as he was a Government Inspector, and, as the servant of the Crown, living upon Crown property. The case was adjourned for a month. Mr George Smith and Mr Joseph Wood, contractors for the building of the forts at Herbran stone, were also summoned on a similar charge by the same Commis- sioners. The buildings rated in this instance were built of wood and dry bricks, but not let into the ground, and were erected on Government property for the convenience of the contractors in carrying on the works. i These cases were also adjourned for a month. WILFUL DAMAGE. James Smith, a tramp, who described himself as a native, of Armagh, Ireland, was charged with wilfully damaging a cart harness, the property of Elizabeth Bowen, of Llysyfrane. The charge was fully proved against the prisoner, and he was ordered to be imprisoned in the House of Correction for two calendar months with hard labour. HAVERFORDWEST RACES. THIS event took place on Thursday afternoon, under the stewardship of Cecil Anson Harries, Esq., and Lloyd Price, Esq., and was productive of consider- able amusement to a goodly number of spectators. This effort to revive the old pastime once so popular in Pembrokeshire has produced results fullv equal to the expectations of its promoters, and in all probability itjwill be repeated next year on a'scale approaching in magnitude the excellent programmes wLich in days gone-by occupied a considerable portion of a whole week in their execution. The programme on the present occa- sion, owing to the limited time afforded to the gentlemen interested in the matter to collect sub- scriptions, was small compared with what many of our readers will remember, but it proved amply sufficient for a good day's amusement, and perhaps few meetings have been held where so much satis- faction and enjoyment prevailed. A general wish was expressed early in the year that equine con- tests on the old battle ground of the town should once more appear in the list of County amuse- ments, and through the exertions of the stewards, ably assisted by an active secretary (who has officiated with the greatest credit to himself on many a well-fought field), that wish was fully gratified on Thursday. The ground, as might be anticipated at this season of the year, was exceed- ingly heavy, and in many parts of it the horses Z, sank above their fetlocks in mud. The Secretary and other gentlemen actively exerted themselves to get the ground into the most favourable condition possible under the circumstances, but to restore the Course, which of late years his been greatly neglected, to its former state, would require a large expenditure both of time and money. Very important repairs were, however, made in some of the most defective parts of the Course: the pools of water, which had accumulated on its surface by the late rains, were drained off; pits were filled up, and stones removed and if a great many. other things which may have been very much desired, were not accomplished, it cannot be attributed to any lack of zeal or energy on the part of those gentlemen who had the management of the sports on the present occasion. Mr Harries and the Secretary exerted themselves in a manner de- serving of the highest commendation, and the suc- cess which attended the entire proceedings proved their fitness for the duties which they bad under- taken. The starting post in the two mile contests was fixed about 60 yards to the north of the road leading from Haverfordwest to Dale, and the space between it and the winning post, which was erected immediately opposite the Stand, added to one complete circuit of the course made up the distance of exactly two miles. In the one and a half mile races, the start was made at a point almost opposite Palmerston Farm House. Shortly after one o'clock-r-the hour- appointed for the commencement of the proceedings,—-the bugle sounded the note of preparation, and a few 1 ki ti: minutes later the following horses made their ap- pearance at the starting post, to compete for THE TOWN PLATE, Of three sovereigns each, two forfeit, with 30 sovereigns added, for horses bona fide the property of residents in South Wales; second horse to save his stake three years old to carry 9st. 71 bs; four years old, lOst; five years old, lOst. 71b; six years old and aged, list. Gentlemen rider3; professionals 51bs extra. The winner to pay three sovereigns towards the expenses. Two miles over the flat. st. lb. 11 0 Mr W. R. H. Powell's e.g. Biscuit, aged 1 (Mr J. R. James). 10 0 Mr Smith's b. colt Reception, late Reprieve 2 (Mr Thomson). 110 7 Mr T. Williams's b.g. Gaylad, ifve years 0 (Mr Russell). 11 0 Don J. de Pico's br. g. Cumberland, aged 0 (Capt. Crymes). 11 0 Mr O'Smith's b.g. Gingerbread, aned. 0 (Capt. Bailey). 9 7 Captain Ballard's b.g. The Lark, three years 0 (Vivian). THE RACE. The horses got away well together, and the cautious pace at which they went by the Stand for the first time raised an expectation that a good race would ensue, and in this hope, as the sequel shewed, the spectators were not dis- appointed. The same close order was observed in passing Palmerston and beyond the Dale Road, where they began to separate. On turning Temperness Corner, Biscuit, who had held a middle place on ascending the hill, improved his position, and crept closely upon Re- ception then shewing slightly in front. As the race pro- gressed the other horses were gradually left behind, and before two-thirds of the course had been covered, the race may be said to have virtually rested with the two leading horses, and well and vigorously did they contend for victory. Mr James steered his horse with great steadi- ness and judgment, and his opponent displayed the same skill. Very little change occurred in their position till the Corner was reached, and the straight run in com- menced. Mere in a few strides Reception appeared in the foremost place, but so slight was the lead—so closely hugged was he by his ri val-ill at it scarcely strengthened the hopes of his backers. After passing the distance post, Biscuit surely and steadily gained on his opponent, and when within about 40 yards of the winning post he rushed to the front, and won by about a length. The horsemanship displayed by Mr James in this well-con- tested race, was very much admired, and the same feeling was expressed regarding his able, though unsuccessful, opponent A brief interval having elapsed, the buele once more sounded, summoning the competitors for THE OPEN RACE, A handicap of three sovereigns each, two forfeit, with 30 sovereigns added; second horse to save his stake. The winner of the Town Plate to carry 71b in addition to the weight he is handicapped at. Heats—two miles over the flat. The winner to pay three sovereigns towards ex- penses. The following horses started st. lb. 10 6 Mr Yeates's ch. h Southampton, six years 1 (Carlisle). 10 0 Mr Smith's b c Reception, late Reprieve, four years (Mr Thomson) 2 II 5 Mr W. R. Powell's c. g. Biscuit, aged (lad). 3 9 10 Mr O'Sinith's b. m. Gingerpop, aged 0 (J. Richards). 9 7 Captain Barclay's b. g. Marmion five years 0 (W. Thomas). 10 12 Don J. de Pico's br. g. Cumberland, aged 0 (Capt. Crymes). 910 Mr W. Lewis ns. b. g. Wings, six years 0 (Mr J. R. James). THE RACE. A capital start was effected, all getting away in excellent order and at a good pace. After leaving Palmerston, the i pace, fast as it was, became still faster, and they swept up the hill so closely together that—(to use a common expression)-a blanket might have covered them. The great speed that had been maintained began to tell on some of the competitors as they topped the hill; three at i least fell quickly to the rear, and the race was left to Reception, Biscuit, Cumberland, and Southampton. As they approached the starting point Cumberland dropped < out of the group, and Southampton, Reception and Biscuit were left to themselves. Biscuit first turned the < corner, and was closely followed by Reception, with Southampton immediately at his heels. Here the speed was increased, and on crossing the road Southampton < obtained a trifling lead, which position he gradually < improved notwithstanding the vigorous efforts of Reception < and Biscuit to dispossess him of it. He maintained his I conquering pace in fine style, and ran in a winner by a few yards, Reception being second, and Biscuit third. The other horses were so out-paced that they did not j save their distance. SECOND HEAT. The Biscuit, which was now mounted by Mr James, I alone presented himself to contest with Southampton in the second heat. This trial of skill between two winners gave rise to considerable excitement. The number of their respective admirers were pretty equal; if more con- fidence was expressed in one than the other, the favourite was Southampton for the fact that Biscuit carried the f greater weight, and had gone the circuit of the course twice against his opponent's once, told slightly against him in public estimation, and no doubt increased the 1 confidence of those who favoured Southampton. The horses started in good order, but had not proceeded far before Southampton went to the front, and took up the running in gallant style. He continued in advance till Temperness Corner was passed, when the Biscuit at every stride lessened the distance between them. Keeping well together, and with slight variation in their positions, they increased the pace as the starting point was reached, when horse and rider did their best for victory. In this exciting struggle the superior speed of Southampton gradually became apparent, and the only hope of success on the part of Mr James was in some misadventure oc- curring to his fleet opponent. No such luck, however, was in store for Biscuit, and after keeping up the con- test with great spirit and gallantry, he was compelled to yield to his rival, who came in a winner by a few yards. THE FARMERS' STAKES, Of One Sovereign each, halt a sovereign forfeit, with Ten Sovereigns added, for horses bred in the counties of Pem- i broke, Carmarthen, and Cardigan, aud bOTittfide the pro- perty of tenant farmers, or tradesmen residing in these counties, and that have never won a race with £ 10 added money, and to be ridden by gentlemen, tenant farmers, or tradesmen, or their sons, who have never ridden for pay. The second horse to save his stake. Three years old to csrry lOst. four years lOst 7lb, five years old list, six years old and aged list 7ib. One mile and a half over the flat. Mr G. Thomas's b.m. Freshwater 5 years. list (Mr Nicholas) 1 Mr J. H. Thomas's c.m. Gentle Annie, 4 years, lOst 71b (Mr J. H. Thomas) 2 MrO. Phillips'sb.m. Quiz, 6 years, 11st 71b( MrThomson) 3 Mr George's b.m. Lucy, 6 years, list 71b (Owner) 0 Mr Lewis's br.g. Pegasus, 5 years, list (Owner) 0 Mr Bevan's br.g. Venture, 4 years, lOst 7lb (Mr Hodge) 0 Mr Greenish's b.m. The Girl in Blue, 5 years list (Owner) 0 Mr Morgan's b.m. Jenny Jones, 5 years, list (MrScale) 0 This was a good race, and excited quite as much interest as any of those which had preceded it. The eight horses effected a pretty even start, and raced well together till half the circuit of the course was completed, when four ol their number were outpaced and lost all chance of success. Freshwater, Venture, Gentle Annie and the Girl in Blue, raced in compact order to the starting post. Venture first turned the corner, and rushed along at a good pace, but just as his admirers were beginning to be most sanguine of hi" success, he gave them a cruel disappointment, by bolting down the Dale road, along which he ran some distance before he was pulled up. Geptle Annie and Freshwater now fought for the post of honour, and the struggle was mainttdnea with liuch spirit and determination, and with a considerable amount of skill on the-part of the riders. Freshwater kopt in unpleasant propinquity to "her gentle friend, and imme- diately after passing the distance pest gave her the go-by, and came in a winner by several lengths. THE CONSOLATION STAKES. A handicap (for beaten horses) of half a sovereign each, with ten sovereigns added. One and a h&lf mile over the flat. ,.l, '1' .■ For this race therewerefiinteredt— ■■' Reception (]ilr Thomson) 1 CtimbL-rlaud J. (Capt Bayley) 2 Gaylad (Owner) 3 Mafrtnoti • (Tfrdtnas) 4 In this xaoe, as if in recomparits" for hia pfeviotta ill- ":f" rtr.l/n:;? .7' >. ty„ luck, Reception proved all easy winner. He WAS exceed- ingly well ridden, and though it was imagined that Cumberland might give him tough work to win, no doubt whatever was entertained of iiis success when the run home was entered upon. In a few strides he placed himself in the front, and in prlssing the wiuning post waS a considerable distance in advance of his competitor. This concluded the afternoon's sport. In the evening ] an ordinary was held at the Mariner's Ho'el, at which we are informed a liberal subscription was entered int0 for the next year's Races.